| PAT Testing (portable appliance testing) can be an | | | | likelihood of appliances going wrong is relatively high. |
| important area when it comes to health and safety in | | | | It is therefore important that every possible |
| the workplace. PAT Testing consists of a series of | | | | precaution is taken. |
| tests designed to make sure portable appliances are | | | | Manufacturing Industries |
| fit for purpose and can be used safely. The Electricity | | | | More and more computers and other electronic |
| at Work Regulations of 1989 states that all appliances | | | | equipment are being used in factories. Therefore |
| must be maintained so they are safe to use. This | | | | electronic safety is more of an issue than ever. It is |
| means that business owners are responsible for | | | | important that things are always working from |
| making sure that appliances are safe to use. They | | | | businesses point of view as they often play such a |
| are liable should problems arise from the use of | | | | pivotal role in production. But it is also important from |
| appliances that are faulty. | | | | employee perspective to make sure they are always |
| Below are some areas of employment where PAT | | | | operating in a safe way. Accidents can easily happen |
| Testing can be useful (or are required), both for the | | | | in many manufacturing industries so it is important all |
| safety of the employees and customers. | | | | is done to avoid them where possible. Of course not |
| IT Companies | | | | all machinery in factories are portable appliances, but |
| This is one of the most obvious areas where PAT | | | | many industries will use them. |
| testing can help to keep employees safe. | | | | Retail Outlets |
| Unsurprisingly IT companies usually have many | | | | Most retailers will use computers in their offices. |
| computers and it is important all of these are | | | | These aren't the only things that should be PAT |
| maintained. Although it is rare that a PC or laptop | | | | tested though. If tills on the shop floor develop faults |
| causes any major harm, the more you have the | | | | that are not spotted then the safety of both the |
| more the risks increases. | | | | staff and employees can be at risk. Most shops now |
| Hospitals | | | | use portable, hand-held computers to record the |
| Hospitals contain much electronic equipment. From | | | | levels of stock they have. They are used both in the |
| heart monitors to drip's and computers in the | | | | stockroom and on the shop floor, again meaning |
| reception area, appliances can be found all over the | | | | customers as well as employees can be at risk should |
| place for a variety of reasons. Electrical appliances | | | | faults arise. |
| can help save lives but everything possible must be | | | | Cleaning |
| done to make sure they are kept safe so they can | | | | Much cleaning equipment consists of portable |
| serve their purpose without problems. | | | | appliances, with vacuum cleaners being the best |
| Restaurants & Cafe's | | | | example. PAT testing can be even more necessary |
| Ovens, microwaves and many other appliances are | | | | with industrial cleaning equipment as faults are more |
| used in restaurant and cafe kitchens. Kitchens are | | | | common. Safety is paramount for cleaners, but also |
| often extremely busy but it is always important that | | | | for any other employees or customers who are |
| safety comes first. Because everyone is in a rush | | | | around when premises are being cleaned. |
| and because there is water potentially involved the | | | | |